Biology (BIOL) Undergraduate Course Descriptions
BIOL 101. Environment and Society [Goal 3, Goal 10]
Causes and possible solutions to major local, national and global environmental problems. Soil, water, air, forests, energy, wildlife, and related topics. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 102. The Living World [Goal 3, Goal 10]
Plants, animals, and microorganisms of North America. Interactions of organisms with their environment. Minnesota habitats and their inhabitants. Lab. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 103. Human Biology [Goal 3]
Organization and general functioning of the human body. Reproduction; heredity; social implications of biological principles. Lab. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 104. Human Disorders (Topical) [Goal 3]
Biological aspects of human disorders. Heredity, immunity, infection, aging, stress, life styles, and chemical agents. Offered as different topics: Human Genetics and Birth Defect, Human Disease. General education credit may be received for only one topic. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 106. Cultural Botany [Goal 3] (Diversity/MGM)
Contributions of African, Latin American, Asian, and American Indian cultures to agriculture and the uses of plants/plant products in the United States. Food, fiber, and medicinal plants used by American Indians. Contributions of women and people of color to plant sciences. 3 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 107. Biology of Women [Goal 3] (Diversity/MGM)
Biology of human female: functional anatomy, physiology, sexuality, reproduction, pregnancy and aging. Examination of women's health related to these topics. Lab. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 151. Cell Function and Inheritance
The cellular and genetic basis of life. Current laboratory methods. Lab. Prereq.: Eligibility for MATH 112, 193 or higher. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 152. Organismal Diversity [Goal 3, Goal 10]
Organisms at the cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. Integrate knowledge, terminology and concepts from all fields of biology to gain an appreciation of the origin of life and how species diversity arose. Lab. Prereq.: Eligibility for MATH 112, 193 or higher. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 202. Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Structure and metabolic activity of organ systems including muscular, skeletal, nervous, and integumentary. Not applicable to major programs in BIOL including Biomedical Science. Lab. Prereq.: "C" or higher in 103 or 151, or a passing grade on the 202 placement exam. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 204. Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Structure and metabolic activity of organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive. Not applicable to major programs in BIOL including Biomedical Science. Lab. Prereq.: Grade of "C" or better in 202. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 206. Introductory Microbiology
Survey of microorganisms with emphasis on general principles in allied health and medicine. (May not be taken for credit if credit has been received for BIOL 362). Lab. Prereq.: any of the following: 151, 202, 204, CHEM 131, 141, 160, 210. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 222. Careers in Natural Resources
Career opportunities and preparation for professional employment. 2 Cr. F.
BIOL 262. Genetics
Transmission and molecular genetics; application to medical genetics. Lab. Prereq.: 151; CHEM 210. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 266. Medical Terminology
Interpretation and building a vocabulary of medical terms from Latin and Greek roots. Writing and case studies. 2 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 290. Selected Topics in Biology
Topics announced in schedule of classes. May be repeated to maximum of 12 Cr. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 306. Plant Biology
Systematics, ecology, and structure and function of photosynthetic organisms. Significance of plastid-bearing organisms relative to their interactions in biological systems. Lab. Prereq.: 151, 152. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 308. General Zoology
Major animal phyla, structure and function of body systems, diversity. Lab. Prereq.: 151, 152. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 312. General Ecology
Interactions between organisms and their organic and inorganic environment. Biomes, climate, populations, communities, biotic interactions, energy and nutrients, landscape and spatial ecology, biodiversity patterns. Lab. Prereq.: 306 or 308, CHEM 210, admission to appropriate major. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 313. Communities and Ecosystems
Biodiversity patterns and metrics, species interactions, community assembly and structure, trophic interactions, food webs, succession, disturbance, stability, nutrient cycling, productivity, energy flow, ecosystem function, decomposition, climate change. Prereq.: 312. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 314. Mammalogy
Biology of mammals: phylogeny, classification, evolutionary origins, morphology, ecology, behavior, population dynamics, life histories, adaptations. Lab. Prereq.: 308. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 316. Entomology
Biology of insects and related groups of animals: phylogeny, classification, evolutionary origins, morphology, ecology, behavior, population dynamics, life histories, adaptations, economic impacts. Lab. Prereq.: 308. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 318. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Development and structure of representative vertebrates. Dissection of selected animals. Lab. Prereq.: 151, 152. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 322. Ichthyology
Biology of fishes: phylogeny, classification, evolutionary origins, morphology ecology, behavior, population dynamics, life histories, adaptations. Lab. Prereq.: 308. 4 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 323. Field Ornithology
Field and laboratory identification of birds by sight and song, basic anatomy, survey methodology, and capture, handling, and marking techniques. Prereq.: 308. 4 Cr. SUM.
BIOL 324. Ornithology
Identification, field study, and life histories of birds. Lab. Prereq.: 308. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 326. Limnology
Lakes and streams in a watershed setting; historical origin, physical and chemical environment, diversity of plants and animals, field and laboratory limnological sampling methods. Lab. Prereq.: 312. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 360. Cell Biology
Major cellular organelles, macromolecular structures and processes at the subcellular/molecular level. Laboratory investigations to enhance skills needed for upper-level biology courses for Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, and General Biology. Lab. Prereq.: 262; MATH or STAT 193 or higher. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 362. Microbiology
Survey of microorganisms including viruses and virus-like particles, bacteria, protozoa and fungi with an emphasis on principles important to biologists. Lab. Prereq.: 360. 4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 364. Histology
Microscopic structure and related functions of mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Lab. Prereq.: 151. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 366. Human Anatomy
Examination of issues, organs and systems. Structure/function relationships and clinical correlations. Standard anatomical learning aids, cadaver dissections, and computer programs. (May not be taken for credit if credit has been received for BIOL 204). Lab. Prereq.: 151. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 367. Introductory Pharmacology
Introduce the student to principles of pharmacology and their relationship to health care. Included are classification of drugs, basic mechanisms of drug interaction, and calculations for drug administration. Designed for students interested in allied health professions such as nursing. Prereq.: college algebra, CHEM 141. 3 Cr. F.
BIOL 368. Introductory Pathophysiology
Lectures and group discussion will be utilized to present concepts of pathophysiology. Students will study models of normal physiology and changes that occur with stress and disease. Designed for students interested in allied health professions such as nursing. Prereq.: BIOL 202, 204, CHEM 141. 3 Cr. F.
BIOL 390. Selected Topics in Biology.
Topics announced in schedule of classes. May be repeated to a max. of 12 Cr. 1-4 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 402. Biology of Human Aging
Physiology and biological processes at the organism, organ, cell and subcellular levels. Not applicable to biology major programs. Prereq.: 103. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 444. Biology Internship
Full or part-time participation in industry or a government agency. Arrangements must be made before registration. Max. of 6 credits may be counted toward major requirements, remaining credits to be used in general electives. 1-16 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 448. Freshwater Ecology
Aquatic organisms in lakes and streams; lakes and streams as functional units of watersheds; interactions of aquatic organisms with their environment and each other. Capstone Course. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirements for the BES Biology, General Biology, Ecology and Field Biology, and Aquatic Biology programs. Lab. Prereq.: Senior Status and Permission of instructor. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 450. Readings in Biology (Topical)
Directed readings on selected topics. May be repeated to a max. of 6 credits toward a degree program as elective credits. Prereq.: consent of instructor. 1-3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 451. Research
Independent laboratory or field research. May be repeated to a max. of 6 credits toward a degree program as elective credits. Prereq.: consent of instructor. 1-4 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 494. Pathophysiology
The capstone course for students in Biomedical Sciences. Diseases such as cancer, autoimmune. infectious, degenerative, metabolic, and genetic diseases. Senior Status. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirements for the BES Biology and Biomedical Sciences programs. 4 Cr. F, S.
Biology (BIOL) Courses for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Students
BIOL 408/508. Nature Study for Teachers
Classroom and outdoor techniques, strategies, and background for studying the natural environment with emphasis on the habitats and natural communities of Central Minnesota. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 418/518. Wetland Plant Communities
The structure, characteristics, indicator plants, wildlife uses, management, and restoration of wetland and aquatic plant communities. Field. Lab. Prereq.: 151. 2 Cr. F.
BIOL 420/520. Plant Taxonomy
Principles and practice of plant taxonomy including modern technological approaches. Lab. Prereq.: 306. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 422/522. Terrestrial and Aquatic Plant Identification
Field identification and ecological aspects of local terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic vascular plants. Field trips. Lab. Prereq.: 306. 4 Cr. SUM.
BIOL 430/530. Phycology
The collection, identification, culture, and study of freshwater algae from diverse habitats; primary production, community interactions, life cycles, and lake phytoplankton and stream phytobenthos assessment. Lab. Prereq.: 306, 312. 4 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 434/534. Freshwater Invertebrate Zoology
Natural history, collection, and classification of local species of freshwater invertebrates, exclusive of planktonic forms and Protozoa. Lab. Prereq.: 308, 312. 4 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 436/536. Water Quality
Water quality monitoring, sampling strategies, and data analysis. Biomonitoring, toxicity, eutrophication, acid deposition, and groundwater quality. Lab. Prereq.: 312. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 438/538. Ecology of Fish Populations
Ecology and population biology of commonly harvested fishes, sampling methods, management techniques, life histories and demographic analysis, ecosystem associations, legal issues, conservation concerns. Lab. Prereq.: 312. 4 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 440/540. Wildlife Management
Principles of wildlife management with studies of selected species. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, and Ecology and Field Biology programs. Lab. Prereq.: 312. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 441/541. Comparative Animal Behavior
Behavior of animals in their natural environments. Comparative analysis across a range of species and topics. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, and Ecology and Field Biology programs. 3 Cr. F.
BIOL 442/542. Wildlife Populations
Mathematical modeling of population growth, population sampling techniques, and survival/reproduction. Case studies involve theoretical and empirical investigation of single populations, metapopulations, and sources and sinks. Lab. Prereq.: 312. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 446/546. Veterinary Ethology
Etiology and analysis of behavioral pathology in domestic and zoo animals including design and implementation of behavior change strategies. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 449/549. Field Studies in Biology (Topical)
Field trips to study the flora, fauna, and ecology of native habitats such as Isle Royal and the Florida Keys. Arranged instructional sessions may be required before or after the trip. Travel expenses required. Permission of instructor. May be repeated, with approval of adviser to a maximum of 9 Cr. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 453/553. Seminar in Biology (Topical)
Presentations and discussions by students under guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 credits. 1-3 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 455/555. Practicum (Topical)
Supervised experience in selected areas such as laboratory management, greenhouse management, animal room management, aquarium management, Museum/herbarium curator. May be repeated to a maximum of 3 credits. Departmental approval required for enrollment. 1-3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
BIOL 456/556. Biological Evolution
History, evidence, and processes of biological evolution (microevolution, speciation and macroevolution). Theories on the origin of life. Fulfills upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Ecology and Field Biology programs with a grade of "C" or better. Prereq.: 262. 3 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 457/557. History and Philosophy of Biology
Origins of science and history of biological discoveries. The development of modern biology. Philosophical bases for the biological sciences. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Aquatic Biology, and Ecology and Field Biology programs. Prereq.: junior-senior, graduate student standing. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 460/560. General Parasitology
Parasite ecology and classification. The relationship of these organisms to diseases of humans and animals. Lab. Prereq.: 151, 152. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 462/562. Medical Microbiology
Taxonomy, morphology, culture biochemical activities of pathogenic microorganisms and their pathogenic mechanisms and the corresponding host response. Lab. Prereq.: 362. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 464/564. Hematology
Blood cell formation and function, morphology and function. Etiology and lab diagnosis of common hematologic diseases. Mechanisms of hemostasis. Clinical procedures. Lab. Prereq.: 151. 3 Cr. F.
BIOL 468/568. Advanced Animal Cell Culture Techniques
Advanced topics in techniques and theory of culture of animal cells in vitro. Applications to biomedical research and biotechnology. Establish, grow, maintain, preserve, and utilize animal cells. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biotechnology programs. Lab. Prereq.: 362. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 472/572. Virology
Morphology, virus-host relationships, diseases, prions and viroids. Prereq.: 362. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 474/574. Neurobiology
Molecular, cellular and developmental aspects of the nervous system. Sensory, motor, and central systems. Mechanisms of neuropathology. Prereq.: 360. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
BIOL 476/576. Developmental Biology
The development of multi-cellular organisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Lab. Prereq.: 360. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 477/577. Advanced Anatomy: Human Dissection
Detailed regional dissection. Functional and clinical aspects of dissections. Technique and preparation of prosecutions for introductory courses. By permission only. 3 Cr. SUM.
BIOL 478/578. Human Physiology
Physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biotechnology programs. Lab. Prereq.: 360, 366. 4 Cr. F.
BIOL 480/580. Human Endocrinology and Reproduction
Principles of endocrinology at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level and how endocrine factors regulate the reproductive physiology and behavior of humans. Prereq.: 360. 3 Cr. S.
BIOL 482/582. Advanced Protein Techniques
The theory and application of instrumentation in monitoring, quantifying, and isolating proteins. An individual protein purification project will be required. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biotechnology programs. Lab. Prereq.: 360; CHEM 311. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 484/584. Advanced DNA Techniques
Theory, techniques, and instrumentation of genetic engineering and gene analysis. Completion of this course with a grade of "C" or better fulfills the upper division writing requirement for the BES Biology, General Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Biotechnology programs. Lab. Prereq.: 362; CHEM 480; Senior Status. 4 Cr. S.
BIOL 486/586. Immunology
Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Lymphoid tissues, initiation, and regulation of responses, mechanisms of immunopathologies. Lab. Prereq.: A grade of "C" or better in 360. 4 Cr. F, S.
BIOL 490/590. Selected Topics in Biology
Topics announced in schedule of classes. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 Cr. 1-4 Cr. DEMAND.
